
A parent might reach for this book when their teenager is struggling to find a sense of belonging or is beginning to realize that 'family' can be a choice rather than just a biological fact. It is a profound resource for young people navigating complex home lives, whether they are facing conflict, displacement, or simply the feeling of being an outsider in their own skin. The story follows seven teenagers, each dealing with heavy realities like pregnancy, abuse, or questioning their identity, who eventually find refuge in Joe's house. Through these interconnected poems, the book explores how community can be built from shared struggle and how resilience grows when we are finally seen and heard. This verse novel is best suited for older teens due to its mature themes, offering a realistic yet ultimately hopeful perspective on making one's own way in the world.
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Sign in to write a reviewReferences to domestic abuse and physical discipline.
Occasional references to parental drug use or alcoholism.
Occasional strong language consistent with realistic teen dialogue.
The book tackles teenage pregnancy, physical abuse, neglect, and homophobic rejection directly but with a poetic distance that prevents it from feeling gratuitous. The approach is secular and intensely realistic. While it does not offer easy 'happily ever after' endings, it provides a hopeful resolution where the characters gain agency over their futures.
A high schooler who feels misunderstood by their guardians or is interested in social justice and the 'found family' trope. It is also perfect for reluctant readers who prefer the white space and rhythm of verse.
Parents should be aware of the references to teen pregnancy and abuse. It is helpful to read this alongside the teen to discuss the different types of support systems available in the real world. A parent might see their teen becoming increasingly withdrawn or hearing their teen express that 'nobody understands what I'm going through.'
Younger teens (13-14) will focus on the drama of the 'runaway' lifestyle, while older teens (16-18) will better appreciate the nuance of the poetic forms (sonnets and sestinas) and the systemic issues involved.
Frost uses strict poetic forms like the crown of sonnets and sestinas, which creates a structured, safe container for the chaotic and messy lives of the characters. This formal constraint provides a unique contrast to the raw subject matter.
The narrative is structured around seven teenagers: Keesha, Stephanee, Jason, Dontay, Carmen, Harris, and Katie. Each teen is escaping a different hardship: Dontay is in the foster system, Harris is being kicked out for being gay, Katie is fleeing an abusive father, and Carmen is caught in the legal system. They all gravitate toward Joe, an adult who provides a safe, no-questions-asked space for them to live. The story follows their individual journeys toward stability and the collective strength they find under one roof.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.